The discovery of fire by our stone-age ancestors changed their way of life, but in our 21st century, the secret to starting a fire while you are camping in the great outdoors can remain a mystery. However, a fire starter will help you turn a pile of tinder into a full blazing fire.
Whatever type of outdoor adventure you enjoy; camping with the family, backpacking along a mountain trail, or exploring the wilderness, starting and building a fire can turn out to be one of your most challenging tasks.
Most times it will be easy to get a fire going, for a BBQ feast, or to boil some water. However, if it is raining, windy, foggy, or there are extremely cold temperatures, trying to generate a few sparks can be very frustrating, and sometimes ordinary matches or a lighter will not suffice.
The 7 Best Fire Starters
- Light My Fire Swedish Firesteel BIO Army 2IN1 Fire Starter
- Bushcraft Survival Fero Rod Fire Starter Kit
- UST StrikeForce Fire Starter
- Lightning Strike Mini Fire Starter (Our Top Pick)
- SharpSurvival Survival Spark Magnesium Fire Starter
- UCO Stormproof Match Kit
- The Friendly Swede Magnesium Fire Starter
Our Top Pick for the Best Fire Starter
Our top pick for the best fire starter is the Lightning Strike Mini Fire Starter. If you are a serious outdoors survivalist or you just want a starter that you can rely on to start a fire, this extremely durable Lightning Strike Mini Fire Starter gives you exceptional value for money.
As well as providing you with bright, super hot sparks in any sort of weather, whether you are being buffeted by -10° wind gusts or if there are icy temperatures, the Lightning Strike’s oversized ferrocerium flint rod can produce up to 20,000 strikes over its lifetime.
Besides its superb fire-lighting performance, its innovative pen design makes it a very compact fire starter that will suit any type of outdoor adventure.
Check the price on AmazonA Fire Starter: An Essential Survival Tool
A fire starter is a simple but effective tool that should be a part of every outdoor enthusiast’s or survivalist’s emergency kit.
The best type of starter is compact and lightweight, one that will not take up a lot of room in your backpack or camping gear. It must be easy to use, and more importantly, it should require minimal effort, just a few strikes of the flint to create the fire you need to keep you warm, cook your food and heat your water for a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate.
Before you set out to buy a fire starter, here are three types of fire starters that are ideal for starting a fire in the great outdoors.
Types of Fire Starters
Ferrocerium Rods
Ferrocerium rods are also called flint rods, and they are designed to create sparks when you strike the rod with a blade or serrated piece of steel called a striker.
Magnesium Blocks
Magnesium blocks work similarly to Ferrocerium or Ferro rods. The magnesium block is vigorously scraped until it produces a few shavings onto concrete, a flat surface, or wherever you want to start your fire.
Hold the rod at an angle over the shavings and in a strong downward movement scrape the striker or blade along the length of the rod to create sparks. The small pile of magnesium will catch fire quickly from the sparks that are generated and you can then start to add other material to build your fire.
Remember: Using a fire starter takes patience and requires some effort, but if you persevere, your reward will be a fully-fledged fire. Here are some handy tips on how to use a fire starter.
Waterproof Matches
Waterproof matches are a great alternative to using Ferro rods or magnesium blocks. Although they are predominately used for a backup for providing heat, waterproof matches are still a good choice for starting a fire as they require minimal effort and they can be used when it is raining and some of the matches will still work even if you drop them in a puddle.
If you still want to use a Ferro rod or a magnesium block, but you find the effort a little too demanding, the waterproof matches can take over and do a good job of igniting a small fire.
One thing to keep in mind if you choose a Ferro or Magnesium starter, some manufacturers apply a special protective layer of paint on the rod, so you may have to scrape this off before you can use it to produce the sparks that you need to ignite a fire.
How to Choose the Best Fire Starter
Besides looking for fire starters that are compact and lightweight, here are four extra features to consider.
1. Ergonomic Grip
If you are trying to use a fire starter in the rain or during very cold temperatures, it can be difficult to maintain a stronghold on the starter’s rod and striker.
Some fire starter models allow you to keep a firm hold on the rod and striker as they have an ergonomic grip handle or an extra-large handle. Waterproof matches might have extra long ends so that you can use the matches without burning your fingers.
The carrying case that the matches are contained in may have molded, vertical ribbing on the outside of the case, which makes it easy to open the case when you have to access the matches quickly in cold and wet conditions.
2. Strikes
Strikes refer to the number of strikes that a striker or blade can provide during its lifetime before you have to replace it. Some strikers can provide up to 1,000-5,000 strikes, which are ideal for campers or backpackers who only go camping or hiking a few times a year.
Medium-duty fire starters can produce 10,000-15,000 strikes, while more heavy-duty starters that are designed for more experienced or professional outdoor survivalists can produce up to 20,000 strikes.
3. Waterproof, Water Resistant, and Weatherproof
Some fire starters are water-resistant, which means they can handle occasional splashes of water or rain. However, they may not work very effectively if they are fully submerged in water.
Heavy-duty fire starters are designed for extreme temperatures and accidental water immersion. So, regardless of the weather, if it is snowing, raining, or the starter is dropped into water, it will continue to perform and generate the sparks necessary for creating the fire you need to get warm and cook your food.
4. Additional Features
As well as providing sparks to ignite a fire or to light a camping stove, some fire starters have extra features that make them an all-around “must-have” outdoor survivalist tool.
Some manufacturers incorporate extra storage space for 2 extra strikers, while other features might be a lanyard to keep the rod and striker attached, an emergency whistle and a compass, SOS instructions, or the fire starter may feature a cool pen-style design.
7 Best Fire Starters – Reviews
1. Light My Fire Swedish Firesteel BIO Army 2IN1 Fire Starter
If you need a toasty warm fire in a hurry, the Light My Fire Swedish Firesteel BIO Army 2IN1 Fire Starter is an excellent choice for any outdoor survivalist, backpacker, or camping enthusiast.
The compact fire starter was originally developed for the Swedish Department of Defense, and it produces extremely hot 5396°F sparks, and it can easily light dry kindling.
If you are trying to start a fire in extremely cold temperatures or the rain, the Light My Fire is one of the most reliable starters on the market and it will not let you down.
The fire starter is guaranteed to last for 12,000 strikes and it is incredibly durable as it’s constructed from a hardened high-quality pyrophoric alloy that contains iron, magnesium, lanthanum, and cerium. The striker is made from stainless steel, and its precise edge grind delivers maximum sparks on-demand.
It is the perfect bushcraft tool for those hikers who are exploring the great outdoors in rough terrain as the fire starter weighs a mere 1.76-ounces, so it will fit comfortably in your jacket or a backpack, and the striker and rod are tied together with strong nylon cord to prevent accidental separation.
The FireSteel’s bioplastic handle fits comfortably in your hand and the ergonomic grip on the rod and striker make it very easy to use even in the coldest of temperatures.
If you are hiking out in the wilderness, the fire starter also has an emergency whistle that is integrated into the striker’s handle, which can be used in emergency signaling to draw attention. The Light my Fire comes in 3 colors: Rusty Orange, Coco shell, and Slaty Black.
Pros
- Affordable
- Creates extremely hot sparks
- Very reliable striker
- Bonus emergency whistle
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Striker and flint rod are attached with a strong nylon cord
- Three color options
Cons
- Can be hard to get good sparks in very windy weather
- Nylon cord is a bit short
- Handle can come off the rod
2. Bushcraft Survival Fero Rod Fire Starter Kit
If you enjoy camping in extreme weather conditions or the roughest of terrain, you need the Bushcraft Survival Fero Rod Fire Starter Kit. This kit contains essential survival items for any intrepid outdoor adventurer and will help you to be prepared for the unexpected.
Whether you are planning a hike through the Rockies or a family camping trip, the Bushcraft Survival fire starter produces good, consistent sparks, so you can use it for starting a fire or lighting a stove.
The fire starter has a thick ferrocerium/magnesium blend rod and a handcrafted cherry wood handle that gives you the perfect grip, and the metal striker can last up to 15,000 strikes even in wet weather.
You can always have the fire starter ready to go, either in your pocket or attached to your backpack, as it is lightweight and compact and the rod and striker are connected by a strong lanyard cord.
If you find yourself in an emergency, the Bushcraft Survival fire starter kit includes a paracord bracelet that has a built-in whistle, a cutting blade, an integrated compass, a bonus mini Ferro rod, and a handy storage pouch. The steel striker can also be used as a hex wrench, a ruler, and a bottle opener.
To be able to ignite a fire successfully, make sure that you scrape off the black protective paint off the ferrous rod.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Very good value for money
- Produces consistent hot sparks
- Reliable fire starter
- Waterproof and windproof
- Lightweight and compact
- Paracord bracelet comes with a cutting blade, an integrated compass, a bonus mini Ferro rod, and a handy storage pouch
- Striker can be used as a hex wrench, a ruler, and a bottle opener
Cons
- Ferrous rod has protective paint that has to be scraped off first
3. UST StrikeForce Fire Starter
An ideal survival tool for starting a fire in the great outdoors, the UST StrikeForce Fire Starter is proudly made in the US and will create sparks that are 3 times hotter than ordinary matches and can ignite a wide range of tinder material.
If you are trying to start a fire in the rain or bitterly cold weather, the UST SparkForce starter is one of the basic emergency essentials that any outdoor enthusiast should have in their camping gear.
It will consistently generate strong, hot sparks regardless of the weather or temperature, and the flint can produce up to 4,000 strikes.
This high-performance starter is made of high-quality impact-proof, chemical-resistant, and waterproof ABS plastic and its sharp flint create reliable sparks that will ignite tinder into a roaring fire quickly.
For your safety, the striker is built into the detachable cap to protect the flint and also helps to prevent any accidental sparks. The Starter comes in a high-visibility orange casing so it is easy to find in your camping gear.
An attached lanyard locks the 2 pieces of Light-Me-Tinder in the storage compartment. You can use the extra lanyard hole to attach the fire starter to your backpack.
The UST Fire Starter is one of the lightest starters available, weighing only 3.7-ounces, it is light enough to fit into your pocket and it feels comfortable in your hand.
UST offers a lifetime warranty so if the starter does not work for any reason or if it breaks, they will supply you with a replacement.
Pros
- Produces consistent fire-lighting results
- Made in the US
- High quality
- Generates hot sparks
- Small and compact design
- Lightweight
- Fast
- Easy to use
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
4. Lightning Strike Mini Fire Starter
A heavy-duty, reliable fire starter that can create some seriously hot sparks, the Lightning Strike Mini Fire Starter is extremely good value for money.
If you are planning on hiking into the wilderness, backpacking, or planning a weekend camping trip, you need this powerful fire starting tool. Do not leave home without it!
The starter is made in the US and it features a high-quality unique design. It has a durable CNC machined anodized aluminum body that can withstand rough treatment.
The metal striker is securely attached to the cap with a stretchy elastic cord, and the built-in, oversized ferrocerium flint rod can generate up to 20,000 strikes in any sort of weather or temperature.
One of the highlights of this amazing fire starter is its unique design – the sleek and compact pen-style housing has 2 hollow aluminum tubes that slot securely together.
Once you slide the two compartments apart, the Ferro rod and striker rod are safely contained in their own special slot, which is designed to keep the striker correctly aligned with the Ferro rod in the best position so that it can ignite the sparks necessary for an on-demand fire.
The Ferrocerium rod is replaceable and you can purchase any refills online. A very compact and lightweight unit that weighs just 1.6-ounces and measures 7 x 1 x 1-inches, the Lighting Strike Fire Starter will fit into your pocket or the compartment of your backpack for quick and easy access and will not weigh you down while you are hiking along the trail.
There is a range of attractive colors available: Dark Blue, Black Ops, Fiery Red, Forrest Green, and Splash Red.
This extremely reliable starter can create the fire you need in just a few strikes, which makes it the perfect addition to your survival kit for home use and all of your outdoor adventures.
Pros
- High-quality starter
- Unique pen-style design
- All-in-one storage compartment for Ferro rod and striker
- Generates a large bright plume of hot sparks
- Reliable
- Weather-resistant
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
5. SharpSurvival Survival Spark Magnesium Fire Starter
This 3-in-1 SharpSurvival Survival Spark Magnesium Fire Starter is designed for a large range of survival needs in the great outdoors as it combines 3 pieces of essential survival gear into one compact tool.
Wherever you plan to roam and whatever type of terrain you traverse or extreme temperatures you experience while you are exploring the great outdoors, the Survival Spark Fire Starter can deliver the hot sparks you need for a roaring fire and can generate up to 15,000 strikes.
As well as the magnesium starter rod and an extra-long striker, the starter includes an integrated high-quality compass and a 150 DB emergency whistle, which is connected by a strong, stretchy lanyard, and as the fire starter measures 5.5-inches, it is compact and convenient.
The Survival Spark fire starter will continue to provide consistent fire-starting results regardless of the weather. So, if you are trying to start a fire in the snow, rain, or windy weather, the durable starter is weather-resistant, cold-resistant, and windproof.
With the Survival Spark fire starter, you can easily light a BBQ or a campfire.
Just simply shave a small amount of magnesium from the rod onto a flat surface using the serrated side of the scraper, hold the rod at an angle over the pile of shavings, and in a strong downward movement slide the striker along the length of the rod and shave off a small amount of magnesium (approximately the size of a US quarter) until the sparks ignite a small fire.
For best results, strip the protective layer of black paint from the striker prior to beginning your fire.
Pros
- Great price
- High-quality starter
- Three-in-1 survival tool: fire starter, compass, and an emergency whistle
- Strong lanyard
- Strikes up to 15,000 times
- Very efficient starter
- Windproof and weather resistant
- Compact
Cons
- Black color makes the fire starter hard to see
- Need to wear down the black coating on the magnesium
6. UCO Stormproof Match Kit
If you are looking for an excellent alternative to Ferro or magnesium fire starters, the UCO Stormproof Match Kit can create a warming fire regardless of the pouring rain or howling gale.
UCO has been crafting high-quality outdoor essential tools since 1971 and its Stormproof Matches are the ideal fire-starting addition to your survival kit.
The matches are easy to light and they will burn up to 15 seconds and the end of the matches are extra long to stop your fingers from getting burned.
The kit contains 25 windproof and waterproof matches that can survive being submerged in a puddle, 3 strikers, and the waterproof, durable ABS plastic case has a strong O-ring that creates a waterproof seal that protects the matches and strikers from any moisture.
The compact case weighs just 1.7-ounces (48g), so the UCO kit can easily fit into your backpack, and the case can fit up to 40 matches.
If the striker becomes worn or it does get wet, it can be replaced online, and there is an extra section in the case to store 2 strikers. The non-slip grip, molded, vertical ribbing on the outside of the case makes it easy to twist and open the cap when you need to access the matches quickly in cold and wet conditions.
The UCO Stormproof Match Kit comes in a single (25 matches) pack or as a twin-pack (50 matches), and the kit is covered by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty. The kit comes in three colors: Dark Green, Orange, and Yellow.
Pros
- Excellent price
- Durable matches
- Case is extremely waterproof
- Sturdy ABS plastic case
- Lightweight
- Perfect for camping and emergency kits
- Very reliable matches
- Case can hold up to 40 Stormproof matches
- Available as a twin-pack of 50 matches
- Extra storage space for 2 extra strikers
Cons
- Case may be too large and bulky for some packs
- Striker wears out fast
7. The Friendly Swede Magnesium Fire Starter
The Friendly Swede Magnesium Fire Starter 3-pack features a new and improved design and with such an impressive fire-starting performance, these starters will make a great addition to any backpacking or camping emergency kit.
Each of these smart fire-starting tools has a thick magnesium alloy striker that can produce a power spray of sparks that can ignite a roaring fire.
Even if you get the magnesium bar wet, it will still throw sparks, and will continue to perform in all sorts of weather, and can provide up to 5,000 strikes.
Besides their impressive fire-starting performance, the magnesium starters are extremely compact measuring 1.2 x 0.35-inches (7.6 x 3 x 0.9 cm), and they have built-in flints and an extra-long 17.5-inches (44 cm) chain for easier striking.
The striker also works as a bottle opener, a scraping tool, and it has a ruler with measurements in centimeters and inches.
A “must-have” survival tool for any outdoor enthusiast’s camping gear. The Friendly Swede fire starter 3-pack is excellent value for money, and you can use it with peace of mind as it is covered by The Friendly Swede’s lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Handy fire-starter 3-pack
- Improved design
- Excellent value for money
- Creates a blazing fire in seconds
- Built-in magnesium bar
- Extra-long connecting chain
- Multi-purpose survival tool
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Requires some effort to get a fire going
Our Top Pick for the Best Fire Starter
Our top pick for the best fire starter is the Lightning Strike Mini Fire Starter. If you are a serious outdoors survivalist or you just want a starter that you can rely on to start a fire, this extremely durable Lightning Strike Mini Fire Starter gives you exceptional value for money.
As well as providing you with bright, super hot sparks in any sort of weather, whether you are being buffeted by -10° wind gusts or if there are icy temperatures, the Lightning Strike’s oversized ferrocerium flint rod can produce up to 20,000 strikes over its lifetime.
Besides its superb fire-lighting performance, its innovative pen design makes it a very compact fire starter that will suit any type of outdoor adventure.
Check the price on Amazon
